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Arsenal star Declan Rice has lavished praise on teenage sensation Max Dowman, describing him as the best 15-year-old in the country and urging the prodigious talent to maintain his dedication in order to fulfill his potential at the club.

Despite being just 15 years old, Dowman has already begun training with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad at London Colney. His rapid rise has been fuelled by impressive performances at the youth level, where he has consistently excelled against older opponents.

The highly rated youngster first made headlines in September when he became the youngest player to score in the UEFA Youth League at just 14 years, eight months, and 19 days. Coached by Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere, Dowman has been fast-tracked through the academy ranks, with Wilshere endorsing his ability to step up and compete at higher levels.

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Dowman, a left-footed attacking midfielder, has continued his meteoric ascent, breaking records as the youngest-ever player to feature in the Premier League 2 competition in December. His talent has also been recognised on the international stage, with appearances for England’s under-17 side. Most recently, he was invited to join Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai, where Rice has taken him under his wing alongside fellow young talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Rice shared his admiration for Dowman but also emphasised the challenges ahead.

“I have had so many texts about Max recently,” Rice said. “At 15, there is such a long way to go. You can be the best 15-year-old in the country, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be at 18.

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“So, you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing. I speak to Max a lot and he has got such a good family around him. He is unreal.”

Rice, who himself experienced the highs and lows of youth football after being released by Chelsea’s academy before establishing himself at West Ham and then Arsenal, understands the difficulties of breaking into senior football.

The 26-year-old has made a conscious effort to support Dowman, Lewis-Skelly, and Nwaneri, forming close relationships with them to help guide their development.

“I have a great relationship with all three of them because Max gets to train with us quite a lot,” Declan Rice added. “I have kind of taken these three under my wing because I have been in that position before and I had older players help me out. I get on well with all of them, and they are really comfortable around me, which is all part of having a good relationship.”

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